Citrus-Brined Applewood Smoked Chicken Thighs
Citrus-Brined Applewood Smoked Chicken Thighs deliver tender, juicy meat with a balanced sweetness from brown sugar and a gentle rosemary-garlic aroma. The applewood smoke adds a mellow depth that complements the peppery finish. Serve for a relaxed weekend dinner or backyard gathering when you want richly seasoned chicken with a clean, bright edge.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook2 hrs 5 mins
- Serves8
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Whisk water, brown sugar, 1 cup kosher salt, black peppercorns, garlic cloves, and bay leaves in a large saucepan until the sugar and salt dissolve. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- 2
Carefully pour the brine into a large heat-proof container and stir in the rosemary sprigs and lemon slices. Refrigerate until fully chilled, about 2 hours.
- 3
Add the chicken thighs to the chilled brine. Place a small plate on top of the chicken thighs to keep them submerged, then cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the chicken thighs in the brine for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- 4
Fully open the bottom vent of the grill. Light a charcoal chimney starter filled with briquettes. When the briquettes are coated with gray ash, pour them onto the bottom grate and push them to one side of the grill. Place 3 to 4 applewood chunks on the hot coals. Oil the top grate and set it on the grill. Cover and insert an instant-read thermometer through a vent in the lid; hold the temperature between 225 and 250 degrees F (107 and 120 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
- 5
Remove the chicken thighs from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels, removing as much surface moisture as possible. Sprinkle evenly with black pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
- 6
Set the chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin-side up, over the side without coals. Cover and smoke until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- 7
Move the chicken thighs to a large plate or platter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Calories 258.65 kcal Moderate
- Protein 4.82 g Low Source
- Carbs 49.15 g Moderate
- Total Fat 4.57 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 1.36 g Moderate
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 24.09 mg Moderate
- Sodium 510.24 mg High
- Fiber 7.37 g Good Source
- Sugar 32.57 g High
- Added Sugar 7.44 g Moderate
- Calcium 286.61 mg Good Source
- Iron 1.22 mg Low Source
- Potassium 235.01 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 41.72 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 32.82 mg Good Source
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Citrus 🍊
- Garlic 🧄